Method for threading chain onto a lamp cord

Abstract

Method and apparatus for threading a lamp cord through links in a lamp-supporting chain, for example, swag lamps. Selected links may be chosen to receive the lamp cord, that is, every fourth link, for example.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A method of threading a lamp cord into selected links of a chain that consists of a series of interconnected links, comprising the steps of: capturing the selected links of the chain sequentially onto the exterior of a hollow lamp cord chute;   inserting the lamp cord into the hollow interior of said hollow lamp cord chute; and   simultaneously withdrawing said lamp cord from the hollow interior of said hollow lamp cord chute and said selected links of said chain from the exterior of said hollow lamp cord chute so that said selected links are threaded onto said lamp cord.   
     
     
       2. A method of threading a lamp cord chain onto a lamp cord comprising the steps of: selecting an elongated tube;   positioning said tube in a substantially vertical position;   selecting a lamp cord chain which is to be threaded upon said tube;   selecting a first link of said lamp cord chain to be threaded;   positioning said first link of said lamp cord chain over the upper end of said tube and then moving it downward along said tube;   selecting a second link of the lamp cord chain;   positioning said second link of said lamp cord chain over the upper end of said tube and then moving it downward along said tube toward said first selected link;   successively selecting subsequent links of the lamp cord chain to be threaded;   successively positioning said subsequently selected links of said lamp cord chain over the upper end of said tube until the desired number of links of said chain have been threaded upon said tube;   inserting the lamp cord through the interior of said tube; and   then withdrawing said links of said lamp cord chain from the exterior of said tube while simultaneously drawing said lamp cord from the interior of said tube, so that as the selected links of said lamp cord chain are withdrawn from the exterior of said tube they are immediately threaded upon said lamp cord.   
     
     
       3. In the art of manufacturing lighting fixtures having mechanical and ornamental properties, an improved method of threading a lamp cord through selected links of a chain, comprising steps of: selecting an elongated hollow tube whose interior is large enough to receive the cord and whose exterior is small enough to pass through the selected links;   first placing the selected links, one at a time over the exterior surface of one end of the tube, and advancing each of them along the length of the tube;   then inserting one end of the lamp cord into the interior of the same end of the tube; and   thereafter withdrawing the chain links and the cord from the tube concurrently, so that the cord is threaded through the selected chain links.   
     
     
       4. The method of claim 1 wherein each selected link of said chain remains interconnected with two adjacent non-selected links. 
     
     
       5. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of capturing selected links of the chain sequentially onto the exterior of a hollow lamp cord chute includes the steps of: driving chain link engaging fingers in a circular arc;   orienting said chain link engaging fingers on the upward sweep of its arc so that said fingers engage said selected link of said chain; and   continuing to drive said chain link engaging fingers in said circular arc so that on the top portion of said arc said selected link of said chain will slide over said exterior of said hollow lamp cord chute.